South Sudan’s Border Jitters
Recent skirmishes between South Sudanese and Ugandan troops in Kajo-Keji revived old anxieties about porous frontiers.
Lawmakers inside the Transitional National Legislative Assembly say the clashes spotlight a deeper dilemma—defending sovereignty while under a UN Security Council arms embargo renewed in May.
Embargo and Military Readiness
MP Bona Deng Lawrence argued that “sovereignty is not only protected by laws, but also by power,” warning that shortages of ammunition weaken deterrence.
He compared South Sudan to global heavyweights, noting that powers like the United States, China and Russia seldom face territorial intrusions.
Perceived Invitation to Encroachment
Deng insisted neighbors act boldly only because they believe Juba lacks equivalent firepower.
Victor Omuho Ohide cited Kenya’s incremental advance from Lokichogio to Nadapal, maintaining that “military flexibility is sometimes necessary” to restore historical borders.
Civil Voices Urge Caution
Civil society leader Edmund Yakani cautioned that frontline villages “should not be treated as war zones,” urging Kampala and Juba to settle disputes peacefully.
Analysts note that with elections slated for 2024, the government is under pressure to prove it can protect citizens without reigniting regional conflict.
What Next for Juba?
Parliament wants the ministries of defense, foreign affairs and the border commission to outline a roadmap balancing diplomacy and security.
Whether the UN revisits the embargo or opts for targeted exemptions could shape not only South Sudan’s posture but also regional stability across the Great Lakes.